Words of Wisdom for Dylan’s 23rd Birthday

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For the last several years I have provided my children my “words of wisdom” on every birthday, a tradition I promised them I would stop. All I can say is; “I tried.”

Dylan, 23 years old – I can’t even believe it. It seems like just yesterday we were sitting in your very messy room learning our colors. Luckily, you learned them because, here you are, a college graduate – about to enter “the real world”.

In my usual fashion, there are just a couple things I think you should know as you do so:

* Friends will come and friends will go.

You have been blessed to still have your oldest friends around. Cherish that; remind yourself often what a blessing that truly is. But don’t forget to make some room for new people along the way. Everyone comes into your life for one reason or another, being a real adult is, not only identifying the reason but figuring out which ones to walk away from.

* Always say yes to dessert

If I need to explain this to you then I clearly have not done my job as a parent.

* Who you were in high school isn’t really all that important

When I was in high school, I was told often to appreciate it because “those are the best years of your life” – and if I remember correctly, I told you the exact same thing. But let me tell you – that is SO NOT TRUE … the best year is the one you are in RIGHT NOW, and the one after that, and the one after that.. see where I am going with this?

* Others’ opinions of you don’t matter

* Get off your phone

It’s ok to look up every now and then… that thing isn’t going anywhere… at least that’s what I’ve heard… (I need to work on this one too).

* Travel, travel, travel

The saying goes “when you’re young you have the time and energy to travel, but not enough money, and then when you get older you have enough money and time, but not enough energy” – so travel as often as you can while you still have that adventurous spirit and unlimited energy in you. The money will figure itself out… (it’s called points – use them!)

* Learn how to cook

Yes, I know I only know how to make a handful of dishes, no need to remind me, but this is EXACTLY why I tell you this.. Trust me, you don’t want to have to eat frozen dinners and canned ravioli the rest of your life. You should at least know the basics, but feel free to explore the cooking world, there’s so much to learn and Pinterest makes it look so easy!BTW: I am willing to be a taste tester any time… all you gotta do is call. I can be there in 5 hours or less.

* Changing your mind is acceptable

From something as small as the shoes you want to wear or the movie you want to watch to something as important as the career you choose to follow; whatever it is, changing your mind is not only acceptable, it’s encouraged. Try it all – then decide – and then decide again if you feel the need.

* Don’t get too distracted.

Watch the video; you’ll see what I am talking about…

*You’re still our baby; I don’t care how old you are or you THINK you are; you are and will always be my baby – and there is NOTHING you can do about it.

I hope you had an AMAZING day… remember that we love you to the moon and back!